absurd deduction game.

The intertwined threats and inducements in the performer's words, like a meticulously woven net, ensnared Evan's mind.

He explicitly stated that he knew Evan's paintings were strange, that Evan had accomplices behind him, and even implied that Yu Xing was a potentially huge threat.

His proposed solution would not only help Evan resolve the problem of Yu Xing, but also allow them to avoid drawing too much attention and earn a substantial income. What's even better is that with him, a third party who was "at odds with Yu Xing," stepping in, everything seemed perfectly logical.

Evan's brain, which was wrapped up, was working at lightning speed.

He stared intently at the actor, trying to find any flaw in the man's smiling eyes, but all he found was a bottomless abyss: "As an investigator, will the Ideal State hold you accountable for what you've done?"

“Friend, the organization called Ideal State has never been established for the sake of justice.” The actor let out a light laugh that sounded like sarcasm. “You’ve seen the filth in the upper-class social circles, but Ideal State is far more filthy than that.”

"Look at me, a despicable and wicked person like me, I still hold a high position, don't I?"

These words ignited Evan's passion.

"Then how can you be sure that Yu Xing will accept the painting you sent? He's clearly aware of the problems in the painting, isn't he?" Evan's voice was a little dry; he was tempted.

The actor chuckled softly, his tone certain: "He will. With his pride and interest in the 'abnormal,' he would never refuse such a generous gift. Moreover, it's a provocation from me—someone he despises—so he'll try every means to figure out the mystery."

He paused, then added, "Of course, to ensure the plan goes smoothly, you will need to personally 'explain' the essence of this painting to Yu Xing when you hand it over later, so that he can... fully appreciate its charm."

Evan finally understood.

The actors were determined to ruin Yu Xing, and to make sure the fall was complete.

what.

The thoughts of mortals are sometimes more terrifying than those of evil gods, but to him, they were simply the most wonderful thing.

“…Okay, I agree.” Evan took a deep breath, a hint of pleasure and greed flashing in his eyes. “It’ll be done as you say. Starry Night is yours, but the money must be paid immediately.”

“Deal.” The actor smiled, took out a gold pound draft of an astonishing face value that he had prepared beforehand from his pocket, and handed it over elegantly. “Pleasant cooperation, Mr. Clifford. May your ‘art’ find its true… kindred spirit.”

The two hands touched lightly in the dim light, then separated.

Evan Clifford clutched the huge draft, still warm from the actor's body, his fingertips trembling slightly with excitement.

Instead of returning to the exhibition hall immediately, he went around to a more secluded corridor at the back of the gallery, stopped in front of a door that looked like a storage room, and knocked three times rhythmically.

The door slid open silently a crack, just enough for one person to squeeze through sideways.

Behind the door was not a storage room filled with miscellaneous items, but a small but strangely arranged secret room with dark sound-absorbing velvet covering the walls, isolating it from all outside noise.

A blurry figure sat with his back to the doorway on a luxurious high-backed chair.

“…That’s the plan.” Evan’s voice was exceptionally clear in the confined space, filled with barely suppressed excitement. He quickly whispered the actor’s suggestion and his own judgment.

“I have already agreed. He did give me a better option. My Lord does not crave mediocre believers. An experienced and powerful investigator is better.”

"And you? The esoteric sects shouldn't object to this, right?"

The cloaked figure listened silently without making a move until Evan asked a question, at which point he let out a barely audible chuckle, like sandpaper rubbing together.

“…Very interesting, of course.” The figure’s voice was low and distorted, making it difficult to discern the original tone. “Although the cult is more eager to take control of the town’s lifeline as soon as possible, there are many such opportunities. Your previous plans have already penetrated quite deeply. If you weren’t so eager to hold an art exhibition, and if the stock market guru behind you didn’t have such an urgent desire, we wouldn’t have wanted to attract so much attention.”

“That corrupt investigator thought he could use us to get rid of his colleague, but little did he know that this was the opportunity we were looking for. Yu Xing… bringing him completely to our side will make many future plans much smoother. So, Evan, the Secret Church supports you in this matter.”

“That’s good.” Evan added eagerly, “With him delivering ‘Starry Night’ to Yu Xing, everything will fall into place. As long as we ensure that Yu Xing ‘fully appreciates’ it in a private setting…”

“Risk and opportunity go hand in hand.” The figure interrupted him, the tone unreadable. “That investigator called Lingren can’t be trusted entirely, but his plan… is indeed ingenious. Just do as he says. You go and contact Yu Xing, and complete the deal. Remember, you need to appear… ‘sincere’.”

“You don’t need to tell me!” Evan’s eyes flashed with joy as he left the secret room.

The door closed silently behind him, perfectly shut, as if it had never been opened.

Taking a deep breath, Evan straightened his slightly disheveled collar and hair, concealing his madness and scheming beneath the slightly neurotic and sensitive expression typical of his "painter" persona, and returned to the brightly lit exhibition hall.

The art exhibition was nearing its end, and many guests looked dejected, gathering in small groups to chat quietly, their eyes occasionally glancing at the final section still covered by a curtain, waiting for the last mystery to be revealed.

Mrs. Funer also finished her conversation with the last merchant. She was slightly relaxing her delicate eyebrows and eyes, and whispering something to Yu Xing beside her, as if she had obtained the desired benefits from this art exhibition.

Evan adjusted his facial expression, walked steadily through the crowd, and headed straight for Yu Xing and Mrs. Funer.

His appearance immediately attracted a lot of attention. People wanted to know why the painter, who was the center of attention tonight, had come to see this lady before the unveiling of his final work... or what the investigator wanted to do.

Is this an apology for the previous offense?
If it were based on the painter's own personality, it probably wouldn't have been like this, but everyone knew that the important figure who sponsored the painter wouldn't let this little artist offend Fernandez.

“Mrs. Funel, Mr. Yu Xing.” Evan stopped in front of the two, his face bearing a complex expression that mixed regret, entanglement, and a hint of relief. His tone was also much gentler than during their previous confrontation. “I apologize for bothering you again.”

Mrs. Fernal raised an eyebrow, her tone distant: "Mr. Clifford, the exhibition isn't over yet. Aren't you going to prepare your work?"

“I came here specifically for ‘Starry Night’.” Evan’s gaze turned to Yu Xing, his tone becoming exceptionally sincere. “Mr. Yu Xing, a gentleman just approached me. He… he has decided to buy ‘Starry Night’ and he wishes to… donate this painting to you.”

Upon hearing this, not only was Mrs. Furnell stunned, but the guests who were listening intently also showed expressions of surprise and confusion.

The grand finale was sold off privately before it was even unveiled, and then given away to someone else? This is simply unheard of!

Yu Xing's heart skipped a beat; he knew the real show was about to begin. He appropriately feigned surprise: "Gift to me? Mr. Clifford, are you mistaken? I don't know any such... generous gentleman."

“It’s Mr. Lingren.” Evan said the name while carefully observing every subtle change in Yu Xing’s face. “He said… there might be some misunderstanding between you, and he hopes to express his apology and respect through this painting.”

A low murmur immediately arose from the surrounding area.

A performer?

First, who are the actors?

Soon, well-informed people explained the actor's identity, saying that the actor was the investigator with a unique temperament who had a pleasant conversation with Mr. Raphael.

This made the people around them even more confused.

No one would doubt the financial resources of an Idealist investigator, especially one who is clearly a level above most of his colleagues.

But why would an investigator spend a lot of money to buy a painting and give it to a colleague?

Is it to make amends? Is there some past conflict between them, and the actor wants to mend it?
Really interesting.

People's gossipy nature burned brightly, and their eyes kept shifting between the two investigators who were quite a distance apart.

Mrs. Fernail also looked at Yu Xing in surprise and whispered, "Mr. Actor? What are you doing here...?"

The moment Yu Xing heard the actor's name, a cold, knowing glint flashed deep in his eyes. But on the surface, he merely frowned slightly, as if recalling something unpleasant, before revealing a slightly mocking, knowing smile: "So it was him... apologizing? Heh, that's more like his style. He always likes to provoke me in unexpected ways."

He neither denied his "discord" with the actors nor showed any delight at this "generous gift," leaving his attitude ambiguous and intriguing.

Evan felt relieved; it seemed the actor's words were true, and the two indeed had a bad relationship.

He pressed his advantage, his tone becoming even more sincere: "Mr. Lingren insists on this and has already paid in full. He says that only Mr. Yu Xing's temperament and vision are worthy of this painting, 'Starry Night.' He hopes that you will collect this painting, rather than..."

Ai Wen wanted to say "fall into the hands of vulgar people," quoting the actor's words to further provoke Yu Xing, but he quickly realized how many people were around and that if he dared to say that, he would definitely be disliked.

So he changed his tune: "Instead of leaving it in his hands."

Yu Xing remained silent for a moment, her gaze sweeping over the curious and inquisitive eyes around her before finally settling back on Ai Wen's face. The mocking curve at the corner of her mouth deepened slightly, carrying an arrogance that seemed to see through everything yet was too lazy to point it out.

“Since he is so ‘enthusiastic’ and Mr. Clifford has agreed to the deal…” Yu Xing began slowly, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable air, “then I shall accept it. I am also very interested to see what makes this painting, which an actor would use to ‘apologize’, so extraordinary.”

Evan suppressed his joy and tried to keep his expression calm: "That's great! In that case, as per Mr. Lingren's request, and to ensure the privacy of the handover of the painting, 'Starry Night' will no longer be exhibited publicly. After the exhibition, please come to the lounge, Mr. Yu Xing, and I will personally show you and hand over the painting to you."

“Okay,” Yu Xing replied calmly.

A deal that seemed to be wrapped in "personal grudges" and "artistic gifts" was concluded in full view of everyone.

The final piece had already changed hands before it even appeared on screen, being gifted to an investigator with a special background. This dramatic turn of events immediately became the most explosive news at the end of the exhibition, quickly spreading among the guests.

No one will object, at least not outwardly.

Mrs. Funer looked at Yu Xing with interest and smiled, saying jokingly, "It seems there's quite a story between you and that actor."

She paused, then said, "However, since he's willing to express his...apology in this way, perhaps you should give him a chance?"

She clearly interpreted the gift as a signal of reconciliation.

Yu Xing smiled noncommittally, offering no explanation.

The actor handed him a fishhook.

But the fish wasn't him.

The real fish have already taken the bait with joy and are eagerly swimming towards the seemingly delicious bait.

……

Just as the guests were eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the grand finale, "Starry Night," Evan Clifford once again stepped onto the small stage at the front.

The lights focused, illuminating his slightly pale face clearly and revealing a complex expression on his face that mixed regret, excitement, and a certain indescribable sense of relief.

He gently tapped the microphone, and after the whispers in the room subsided, he spoke in a voice full of emotion:
"Distinguished guests, thank you for your patience and patronage tonight. As the exhibition draws to a close, I have some important news to announce, which may disappoint some of you."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the curious faces below the stage, lingering particularly on the faces of several wealthy individuals who had initially shown strong interest in purchasing, and offering just the right amount of apology.

"Regarding the final piece of this exhibition, 'Starry Sky'... I regret to inform you that it will not be able to be presented to you as originally planned."

A low murmur of barely suppressed surprise and disappointment immediately rose from the audience.

Evan raised his hand in a reassuring gesture and continued, “Please be patient. It’s not because there’s anything wrong with the painting itself; quite the opposite, it’s because it’s… too perfect, too perfectly suited to the soul of a discerning connoisseur, that it found its destined home even before it was made public.”

His words, with their poetic exaggeration and inflammatory nature, successfully shifted the crowd's attention from "disappointment" to "curiosity."

“Just now, I was extremely honored to receive an irresistible request and an incredibly generous offer.” Evan’s voice rose slightly, filled with a sense of pride and excitement. “The investigator from the Ideal Country, Mr. Lingren, bought this painting, ‘Starry Night,’ for double the price!”

All eyes instantly focused on the entertainer standing to one side of the crowd, leisurely holding a wine glass. (End of Chapter)